Belgian Groenendael Information

General Description

(Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Shepherd, Chien de Berger Belge) The Belgian Groenendael is an elegant herding breed with a muscular, agile body and proud posture. Their large bodies are lightweight and squarely proportioned, and their deep chests are medium-sized and reach to the level of the elbows. Their hindquarters are lean and well-muscled and their straight front legs are parallel and feature round, cat-like paws. The head of the Belgian Groenendael is flat and parallel to the plane of their tapered muzzle. Their teeth meet in a scissors or level bite and their noses are black in color. Their almond-shaped eyes are brown in color and their ears are triangular in shape and stand erect. The Belgian Groenendael has a comparatively long, lush double coat that features a ruff around the neck and feathering on the legs, tail, and belly. The undercoat is dense and the lower legs and face are covered with short hair. White markings may or may not be present. Tails of this breed are feathered and reach to the length of the hocks.

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Character

The Belgian Groenendael is the most popular Belgian Sheepdog breed. They are highly intelligent and learn to obey quickly. They have a serious, watchful temperament and possess intense protective and territorial instincts. Some lines of this breed are prone to excessive shyness or sensitivity. All Belgian Groenendaels need socialization and firm, patient training from a young age. Improper training can contribute to the onset of aggressive behavior and lead to an uncooperative dog. Belgian Groenendaels make excellent family pets and they perform very well in obedience competitions. They thrive on human companionship and form very strong bonds with one or two people. They get along well with children, but they can be dominant or aggressive towards other dogs. They have instinctive herding instincts like chasing, circling, and nipping that may irritate some potential owners of this breed.

Size

Weight

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General Health

The Belgian Groenendael is a healthy breed with limited concerns. Epilepsy, skin allergies, and eye problems have been seen on rare occasions. Fluctuations in behavior that lead to the onset of aggressiveness or excessive shyness have are present in some lines of this breed. Belgian Groenendaels should not be overfed because of their propensity to become lazy and obese. Like many other large dog breeds, hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are occasionally seen. The Belgian Groenendael typically lives for 13 to 14 years and averages 6 – 10 puppies per litter.

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History

The Belgian Groenendael is one of four varieties of Belgian Sheepdogs. The breed was named for the village of Groenendael in Belgium. All Belgian Sheepdogs are hardy working dogs with strong natural herding instincts and abilities. The Belgian Groenendael was initially developed by a breeder from Groenendael named Nicholas Rose. He cross bred the Petite and Picard d’Uccle sheepdogs. Their litter became the foundation for the Belgian Groenendael. Since that time, the breed has been used for police work, drug detection, military work, and rescue.

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Maintenance

The long, dense double coat of the Belgian Groenendael requires daily brushing and combing. During shedding season, this breed’s coat should be given extra attention. Mats should be clipped out of the dog’s coat and hair should be kept trimmed between the toes and around the ears. The Belgian Groenendael is a heavy shedder twice a year and sheds moderately throughout the rest of the year.

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They only require weekly brushing except for shedding season, which is only once a year for males and twice for females.

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Ideal Environment

Belgian Groenendaels can live happily in an apartment or small household if they are given sufficient exercise. They are moderately active indoors and are most content with a minimum of an average-sized yard. While the Belgian Groenendael can sleep outdoors, he prefers to sleep inside with his family. Because this breed is accustomed to outdoor life and an active daily routine, the Belgian Groenendael needs a lot of exercise.

Dog Training!

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